u/Puzzleheaded-Order-4

In 2024, I found out I have OCD and anxiety.

The 2 years before that completely broke me. I was stuck in my own head every single day and honestly, I was just trying to get through it.

Because of that, I now have career gaps.

For a long time, I kept comparing myself to everyone around me.

"He is doing better than me."

"She is ahead of me."

"I'm behind in life."

That mindset made everything worse.

The biggest thing I've learned is that recovery isn't about becoming perfect. It's about showing up every day, even when your brain is fighting against you.

I still have OCD.

I still have bad days.

But I don't spend my whole day comparing my life to someone else's anymore.

If you're struggling with OCD, anxiety, career gaps, or feeling left behind, this is your reminder:

You don't need to have everything figured out right now.

You don't need to be where everyone else is.

And a career gap doesn't define you.

Sometimes getting out of bed, studying for an hour, applying for one job, or just making it through the day is progress.

Be proud of yourself for showing up.

I know how hard that can be.

Slow and steady steps daily 😊

This is my handwriting while making notes

How often do you practice?

OCD gave me career gaps, but I'm still here